Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters

There are a severe weather warning 'Watch and Act" in effect for the Douglas Local Government Area. Locations likely to be impacted include Mossman, Port Douglas, Wujal Wujal, Daintree Village, and Julatten.

For the Cairns region, there is a "Monitor Conditions" for severe weather including storms and flooding.

Play Matters Australia is closely monitoring severe weather events happening across Australia and will provide updates on the availability of our programs and services on this webpage.

Service Updates

Please note: This webpage is regularly updated. Last Updated 16 March 2026.

Current natural disasters:

• North Queensland Weather Event - To learn more about impacted areas visit: https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/
  

  
   Disaster Cairns Dashboard 
  

  Latest Updates on Services
  

  We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on the availability of our playgroup sessions and other programs. Some face-to-face sessions may be suspended for safety reasons. Please check play experience listings on our website for more information. Announcements will also be placed on this webpage. 
  
  Cairns Regional Council has posted this advice: Monitor conditions for severe weather | Cairns Regional Council 
  
  Townsville Disaster Dashboard: Dashboard 

Current Play Matters Australia Advice

For Affiliated Playgroups in these LGAs: We encourage affiliated playgroups to cease operating until it is safe to meet again and update their play experience listing on our website.

For Attendees of PMA programs and services in these LGAs: Please use our search tool to confirm whether a playgroup is operating or reach out to the group directly to confirm before attending.

Emergency Resources

Access reliable and up-to-date information from these trusted sources:

• Bureau of Meteorology: Queensland Weather and Warnings

Online Parenting Resources and Activities

While face-to-face sessions may be disrupted, our online activities and parenting resources are always available:

• Access play-based learning activities.
• Download free parenting support guides.
  

You may also wish to view these resources:
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdies-tree-storybooks
https://emergingminds.com.au/practitioners/disaster-preparedness/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/play-learning/play-ideas/homemade-toys 

Contact Information for Support

If you need assistance or have questions, please reach out to membership@playmatters.org.au or call 1800 00 7529. Your safety is our priority. Please stay safe and follow official advice if you are impacted by a natural disaster.